Indonesia's Marine Conservation Area Expands in 2024

According to the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) report, the area of Indonesia's marine conservation areas reached 29.9 million hectares (ha) in 2024.

This area increased by 0.7 million ha or 2.40% compared to 2023, exceeding the government's target.

"The achievement of the conservation area shows an increase of 3 million ha compared to the target addition of the conservation area in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2020-2024 of 26.9 million ha," said the KKP in its 2024 Performance Report.

KKP defines conservation areas as areas with specific characteristics as a protected ecosystem unit, preserved, and utilized sustainably.

The increase in the area of Indonesia's marine conservation areas is supported, among other things, by the designation of the Nusa Penida and Gili Matra Marine Conservation Areas as Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

For KKP, this designation is a concrete action in carrying out its responsibility to conduct marine biodiversity conservation activities in marine conservation areas, coastal areas, and small islands.

"Both marine conservation areas (Nusa Penida and Gili Matra) are located in the coral triangle, which has a high ecosystem and marine biodiversity, including rare and protected species, providing ecological, economic, and socio-cultural benefits to the community," said KKP.

KKP added that Nusa Penida and Gili Matra are located in or near the domestic and international shipping lanes in the Lombok Strait, which is part of the Indonesian Archipelago Sea Lanes (ALKI) II. There are also 11 other conservation areas along the ALKI route.

"Indonesia will replicate the PSSA designation for 11 conservation areas located along the ALKI route, which will further strengthen Indonesia's position in national and global commitments to protecting the marine environment," said KKP.